St Paul's Church
St Paul's Church is situated at the end of the village green, opposite the Manor House and gardens. It has a long history and was closely linked in medieval times to Abingdon Abbey. The oldest part of the present church is the tower, built in 1710. Substantial rebuilding of the nave and chancel took place in the 19th century.
The active core membership of the church has recently increased after a short period of decline and the electoral roll in 2005 had 20 names. There is active lay participation in all services, especially with readings and often with intercessions, at the All Age service on the first Sunday of the month, the Evening Prayer service on the third Sunday, at Communion services at Easter and Christmas and at other occasional services. Details of all services by the Bridge Group are printed in the village newsletter, 'The Mouthpiece'.
A new parish cemetery bordering the existing churchyard was consecrated by the Bishop of Dorchester in 2004 and the Parochial Church Council received approval from the Home Office for the closure of the churchyard, which is full.
The Friends of St Paul's was established in 1998 and is led by an Executive Committee that plans and organises fund-raising events. The team vicar and churchwardens are ex-officio members of the Executive Committee.
Parochial Church Council
Roy Epps (Churchwarden), 14 The Glebe, Culham, 01235 537525.
Andrew Churchill-Stone (Treasurer), 18 High Street, Culham, 01235 533011.
Church History
St Paul's Church, rebuilt in Victorian times, replaced one of late twelfth century or early thirteenth century origin; the tower is its oldest part, dating back to 1710. The Mediaeval Church was about the same length as the present building but had a narrower nave, In 1852 the mediaeval nave was beyond repair and was rebuilt; the cost was borne partly by a parish rate and partly by donations. The chancel was rebuilt at the expense of the lay rector, John Shawe Phillips.